Virgin Australia is making it easier to travel with your four-legged best friend, with its Pets in Cabin service allowing eligible passengers to fly with a small cat or dog on selected Australian domestic routes.
It is the only Australian airline offering the service, with prices starting from $149 per flight.
For pet owners who have spent a holiday scrolling through photos of their dog while away, the option to bring them along could be a welcome change.
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The service has expanded to Cairns, joining Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Adelaide, with bookings available across all participating ports through the festive season.
But travelling with a pet is not the only extra worth considering when booking your next Virgin Australia flight.
Your next holiday could include your four-legged best friend, with Virgin Australia’s Pets in Cabin service starting from $149 per flight. Credit: Virgin Australia
From additional checked baggage for those inevitable holiday purchases to extra legroom and Lounge access, a few additions could make the journey more comfortable.
Can you fly with your dog in the cabin with Virgin Australia?
Yes, eligible travellers can bring a small cat or dog into the cabin with Virgin Australia through its Pets in Cabin service.
The service costs from $149 per flight and is available on selected routes, subject to eligibility and availability.
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There are a few rules to know before booking. Your pet and its carrier must have a combined weight of no more than 8kg, and pets must be at least eight weeks old, although some routes require them to be older than 16 weeks.
Pets must also be up to date with vaccinations, meet applicable veterinary documentation requirements and not be a prohibited breed.
Your furry travel companion will need to fit comfortably inside an approved pet carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you.
And if you were picturing your dog popping its head out to admire the clouds, there is one important catch: pets must remain inside their closed carrier throughout the flight, including during boarding and disembarkation.
They can only leave the carrier for security screening or when using designated airport animal relief areas.
Your furry friend can join you on your next flight. Credit: Virgin Australia
Pets are also required to stay inside their carriers while in the airport terminal.
Pet-friendly seating is allocated to seats 18A, 18F, 20A and 20F. Travellers bringing pets with friends or family who are also travelling with pets must sit separately in the designated seats.
There are additional eligibility restrictions, too. Passengers travelling alone with an infant, anyone under 18 travelling alone, including unaccompanied minors, and passengers travelling alone with an assistance animal cannot purchase Pets in Cabin.
It is worth checking Virgin Australia’s full pet travel requirements before booking to make sure your pet is eligible.
Virgin Australia offers a range of flight extras, including Pets in Cabin. Credit: Virgin Australia
Can I take my dog on a Virgin Australia flight?
Yes. Virgin Australia allows eligible passengers to bring a small dog or cat into the cabin on selected routes through its Pets in Cabin service.
The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8kg, and the pet must meet all eligibility and carrier requirements.
How much does Virgin Australia Pets in Cabin cost?
The service starts from $149 per flight.
Prices, availability and route eligibility should be checked directly with Virgin Australia before booking.
The service is available from Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Cairns. Route availability and booking conditions apply.
